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I learned a new word recently.
Munificence.
Some of you may already know the definition, but I will admit honestly, I did not until I read an article about Aristotle and the four virtues he hails as necessary and most valued to the well-being of an individual. (Of all of the courses or minors I wish I had pursued in college, philosophy is at the top of my list.) But back
to the four virtues: Munificence was one of them (I know you, if you are like me, are wondering what the other three are, so I am happy to share - courage, temperance and justice).
Munificence is to be liberal with one's generosity, to give on a "scale appropriate to lords or princes" as Merriam-Webster shares. Now, immediately, you may think monetary generosity, but I would encourage you to look beyond financial examples. In many ways, munificence is seen as a perceived sacrifice, even if and is often the case in
Aristotle’s direction, done so indirectly. It is a giving, in our current times for example, of our ability to go about our lives differently as we adhere to a new daily routine, to stay home more than we may desire, to socially distance ourselves even though it may feel extremely uncomfortable to step aside from someone in a public space as it feels rude to do so. For each of us, how we exercise munificence will, like nearly every other virtue, be different and unique unto us based on what we
can give, and therefore, what would go beyond and be considered a sacrifice.
Directly, we are helping ourselves and those we love by respecting the orders to distance and stay home, but indirectly, we are helping the larger community survive so that we all can thrive more fully once we make it through. Because we will make it through. Some will have gone through far more of their share of pain and loss, but we can
all alleviate it, even by a seemingly miniscule amount, by thinking and then acting upon the question, "What can I do to help those beyond my inner circle?"
I know today's letter from the editor may not have been what you have become accustomed to in the weekly newsletter; however, perhaps it actually is what you have come to discover each week when you open your email on Friday. If you are like me, I have been trying to figure out how I can contribute positively, how can I help
people I do not even know, but who indirectly positively influence my life and so many others I may never meet or know, and perhaps if we look at our seemingly small actions to let go of the restlessness that is absolutely natural, and just be still in our homes, be still in our minds and take a deep breath, keep a calm mind so that we can navigate with a clear mind through our current times, yes, even simply wear the makeshift mask while we are shopping for our groceries, we will realize
we have and are embracing munificence in our daily lives. Because the good news is, we already are navigating through the pandemic with courage, with judiciousness, with temperance, and yes, with munificence when we broaden our perspective and ask just that question: What can I do to help?
So let’s focus on the good news that may seem hard to find, but is indeed present: We are making significant progress because of of all the liberal giving so many of us are doing in our own way. Hang in there, and stay strong.
Speaking of strength, today is May Day, and with that, as I share in today's This & That post, I would love to share with you a flower (albeit virtually), as it is a traditional May Day custom taught to me by my mother - a sharing a surprise single bloom with a friend or family member or neighbor, and a wonderful, yet
simple way to give hope and a smile which no doubt buoys one’s strength - both the giver and the recepient.
Shown just below this letter is a fresh new bouquet in my home, Le Papillon, a bouquet of French lilacs that I could not resist when I saw them in Trader Joe's. I would love to share them with you today and wish you a most Happy May Day. As well, what you are seeing in the picture is a sneak-peak of what will be shared in full detail on the
blog soon: my foyer. The final detail arrived this week, and I cannot wait to share it with you all. As a TSLL weekly subscriber, you have an exclusive first-look that will not be shared on the blog until next Wednesday.
This week's newsletter is FULL, and that includes an extremely full This & That with 15 specific finds, as well as articles to read and enjoy and FOUR videos I think you will want to check out as well. With two additional posts shared this week on the blog (a spring recipe and a monthly posting favorite), a post to help my
fellow at-home cooks UP their French cooking game and a home tour that will take you to Burgundy, France, set aside ample time this weekend to sit and savor this week's newsletter.
Thank you for choosing to subscribe to TSLL weekly newsletter, and until next week, stay well, and I will see you on the blog.
